New penalties to crackdown on 'cowboy wheel clampers'

The Government will introduce a maximum clamping fine and harsh penalties for those who try to charge more. Credits: Newshub.

The Government is cracking down on predatory wheel clampers by introducing a maximum clamping fine and harsh penalties for those who try to charge more.

There have been reports of people being slapped with excessive fines of up to $700 to have wheel clamps removed from their vehicles.

"Many New Zealanders have been horrified by the stories of clampers swooping in mere seconds after people have parked and then demanding excessive fees to free up their car," Minister of Transport Phil Twyford said.